Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised new signing Piero Hincapié, describing the Ecuadorian defender as a player who will make the squad “stronger and more competitive.”
The Gunners completed the 23-year-old’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan, with an option to buy set at £45 million.
Hincapié, who made 166 appearances for Leverkusen and played a key role in their 2023–24 Bundesliga title triumph, had initially been a target for Tottenham before Arsenal sealed the deal.
The centre-back has been handed the No. 5 shirt at the Emirates. Arteta, welcoming him and his family, said: “He is a big character, with a very good combination of both youth and maturity. He will make our squad stronger and more competitive as we continue into this season.”
Arsenal, who suffered their first defeat of the campaign against Liverpool on Sunday, see Hincapié as an important addition to bolster their defensive depth.
